Air Travel Health Advice

There are very few drawbacks to taking a vacation. Time off is such a valuable and wonderful treat. That said, some folks are hesitant to book a trip or are unable to fully relax when they are away from home because they have to leave their beloved pets behind.

Is it possible to travel with your pet?

You bet! But to make the experience comfortable for everyone, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, make sure it is safe for your pet to travel. For example, physically impaired dogs and cats may be at risk if they are taken outside of their home for extended periods of time. So if you are in doubt about your pet’s safety, be sure to ask your vet for advice.

Be Prepared

No matter how you are traveling, it is important to have a carrier for your pet. If you are traveling by plane, make sure the carrier is up to code. Equally important is to have a visible tag that identifies the pet with its name and your name, address and a telephone number (you may also want to include your vet’s number). You will also want to be sure to pack a copy of your pet’s current health certificate(s).

Take care of the basics – like grooming and feeding and watering – before you set off on your trip. And do not forget to pack your pets favorite toys and treats.

On the Road

If you are traveling by car, here are some guidelines that will ensure the safety of your pet and your passengers:

• Cats should be contained in a carrier so they do not get underfoot and in the way of the driver.
• No matter how cute you think it looks, do not let your dog stick its head out of the window! The dog may get dirt or debris caught in its eyes or ears or worse, he may lean too far out the window and land on the road.
• Be sure to schedule frequent stops to feed, water, and exercise your pet. Prepare to take breaks every two hours.
• Keep dry food, water, and bowls accessible for use during the breaks.

In the Air

Traveling by plane is nerve-wracking for a lot of people. Add an animal companion to the mix and it is even trickier. Here are some tips:

• Before booking any tickets, call the airline and make sure animals are allowed on the plane and into the area where you will be landing.
• Be sure to have all health certificates in order and have copies ready to show at the airport.
• Your pet must be at least eight weeks old in order to fly with you.
• Book the most direct and the quickest route possible. If possible, try to book during an “off-peak” hour so there will be less confusion and congestion at the airport and onboard.
• Allow enough time before the flight to exercise your pet.
• Use an airport approved carrier:

      – the carrier must be strong and it must not leak

      – the carrier must be properly labeled

      – the carrier must be large enough so your pet can move around

      – the carrier must be properly ventilated

The key to traveling with your pet is to do your research and be sure to cover all your bases before leaving home. When in doubt, ask your vet for advice and double check with airlines, hotels, etc. If planned properly, your pet may give a whole new meaning to “family vacations.”
About the Author:

Natalie Harding is a freelance writer for PawDigs.com. PawDigs.com is your premier online source for the very best in pet essentials. From designer dog beds to travel gear, modern pet furniture and custom food bowls, Pawdigs offers the hottest designers for your beloved pets.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Traveling With your Pet

Any advice on air travel with my Shih Tzu?

I am traveling with my 9 lb shih tzu in February…from Richmond, VA to San Diego, CA.

I just make the trek from Orlando, Fl to San Francisco, CA and back with my 16 lb Shih Tzu. I did go out of my way to make sure that I would not have a layover, which admittedly helped. But, overall, he was a great sport about it.
Some tips:
* Line the bottom with an absorbent pad (in case of mistakes) and make sure that you throw in an unclean shirt of your with your smell for security.
* Keep everything you will need for the little guy with you either in his bag or your carry on… leash, treats, proof of vaccines, poop bags, etc.
* Make sure she/he is wearing a collar with ID tag- just in case!! There are a lot of people in a busy airport and you have to take him out to walk through the metal detector.
* Take him out and offer him water right before you go into the airport. (Even if it is in the parking lot.)
* Buy a small container/bowl for water during the flight. (I bought this great ladle thing (at PetSmart) that holds a bottle of water and has a small bowl at the end. Perfect for air travel and even car rides!)

And make sure you get to the airport early! You have to wait in the line and check in at the counter to pay for the dog. Also- most airlines limit the number of dogs per plane, and that is based on order of check in- not order of reservation/purchase.

Air travel (Klatz)

Dog Air Travel Kennel

Vari Kennels have been completely remodeled.  The new Vari Kennel Ultra has provided a new style and better functions to this most popular model of the Petmate Kennels.   Petmate has been the leader in plastic dog crates for a very long time and continues to rise with new and improved designs.  The new Vari Kennels offer dog owners a load of new features that will provide a travel experience  and benefit in crate training like no other crate like it will.

Many dog owners have experience with a Petmate Vari Kennel for many years, and just looking at the new design will see the advancements in technology that this company has made to this series of dog crate products.  The new Vari Kennel has been updated with a lot of thought and research into the needs of you and your dog.  The first thing that is noticeable is the two toned color scheme.  They provide a fancier look to the crate and give it more style than the previous kennels.  For those who are more old school, the new crate does come in the Classic Bleached Linen color, but the new styles have been received with warm welcome.  The new colors provide the same Bleached Linen color on the top half and a unique color for the bottom half.  They only downfall is that there is no choice of color for the bottom.  Only one color is available for each particular size.

The biggest change in function with the new Vari Kennelsis the enhanced structural integrity of the crate that Petmate added to these already sturdy products.  They designed an overlapping belt line that enhances the overall look of the kennel while providing a sturdier design and increasing the ease of assembly.  A new multi-transitional design was provided to better protect your dog.  Molded in handles surrounding the new belt line make it much easier to lift and transport than the previous models, and the Medium size has a top handle for super easy carrying of your smaller pet.  Covered door posts have been provided to prevent it from snagging on carpet, upholstery, and clothing.  Petmate has also added “through holes” which allow you to place “zip ties” in them to increase sturdiness and prevent slipping during transportation.

The Vari Kennel Ultra is designed to meet the standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  It has plenty of ventilation on all four sides which allow it to be used for air travel. An optional wheel kit is also available for these Vari Kennels and they have a “quick disconnect” lever that allows them to easily be removed meeting the IATA and USDA requirement that wheels must be removed prior to flight.

It has many new features that help in training your dog in your home too.  The floor has a “molded moat” in it which will divert liquids away from your pet in the event of a spill or accident, and the easy open squeeze levers make it a breeze to open the door to let your dog in or out.

In summary the new Petmate Vari Kennel is one of the best dog crates in the industry.  It was already good, and Petmate has made it even better.  The Vari Kennel is a proven leader in the industry and continues to increase its lead over other similar kennels with these new and improved advancements.  I strongly suggest one of these fine crates to anyone who is looking for the best quality and value in a dog crate.

About the Author:

Robert Jones is a lifetime dog owner and promotes using proper training techniques with your pet. To find a Vari Kennel for your pet come see our collection of the best Plastic Dog Crates.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Newly Remodeled Design Of The Vari Kennel

Question about travelling with dogs on planes.?

What are the kennel requirements for a large dog (70 lbs) for air travel?

The dog has to be able to stand in the crate. The actual requirements will vary from airline to airline. I would check into this pronto, because they usually require a vets notice of health within a 10 day period prior to flight. Also, if the dog has a pugged nose it cannot fly when the temp. is below 45 or above 75 at any stop.
My advice is call the airline and talk to 3 different people. This will assure that you get the correct info.

How to Travel with a Dog : Travel with a Dog on Planes, Trains, Buses & Cruises